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Middle (Thoracic?) Back Pain and spasms

Hi, I came straight here because I can't sit much longer. Years ago, I learned I have a condition where certain rib(s) can become 'out of joint' with respect to the spine. For example, I can not reach back between the car seats to get something out of the back seat. Nor can I use one of those rolling traction machines or massage chairs that do the same thing. Those of you who know what I'm talking about, probably have a name for the condition. I've lived with this potentially painful condition for a long time. I just avoid disturbing that area of my back .Well, now the pain is back (no pun intended) but only in the late afternoon until I'm lying flat on my back. Walking doesn't help much,.either. The pain is predominantly on the left side and positioned in the viscinity of my bra strap.

I'm in the process of adjusting to a lot of med changes. I'm bipolar and have Fibromyalgia. I'm really struggling with side effects from these meds: Tardive Dyskinesia, air hunger, clenching teeth, tremors of my head and hands, dry mouth, restless legs. I'm on Lithium, Latuda, Lunesta, Adderall, Benztropine, Synthroid, and (last but not least) Valium. Most of these are new to me. I was on Abilify for about 10 years until I developed Parkinson's Symptoms.

My questions are these: Does anyone know what it is I'm talking about? Is there anything I can do (stretches, yoga, core strengthening exercises, being mindful of my movements and posture, etc. When the sun goes down, I tend to go down with it. Now, with this added pain and discomfort, It is nearly impossible to enjoy my evenings much less try to get anything accomplished.

I hope somebody has some good news for me.

Blessings,

Kitsy

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Comments

Hi Kitten. Yes, I feel your pain. I have spinal stenosis and scoliosis. You should go to see a Spinal care doctor and have them administer the proper tests and MRIs to see what's going on. I'm battling thee issues for years. I have suffered from panic attacks (better after I started regular exercise) but spinal issues can contribute to so many issues in your body. Spinal Health controls all of the nerves and muscle reactions in your body. I'm still searching for answers, you should too. Consider Chiropractic help and Physical therapy, but after you see a doctor. Not all doctors believe in Chiropractors and vice versa.

I agree that you should request an MRI and get the opinion of a spine specialist. Also if you are having those types of reactions to your current medications then I would inform your Dr and see if you need to make adjustments to what you're taking. Have you been able or narrow down which medication is causing the problem?

Making adjustments has been the name of the game since the Parkinson's symptoms started last summer/fall. The tardive Dyskinesia started after we stopped the Abilify. Most of the other side effects are a mystery...which is why we keep making adjustments. The memory problems are a common problem with Benztropine, so I am stopping that. We had hoped it would take care of the restless legs at night. It did, but it also shot holes in my memory and cognitive abilities.

The Adderall and Valium are recent additions which we hope will address confusion and dysphoria, as well as restless legs and sleep.

I'm guessing I will need to see a GP before I can get a referral to a spine specialist. I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and go back to the doctor who dismissed all my side effects as non-problems. "They are all neurological, but that doesn't mean a neurologist can do any thing about them." End of subject. At least he's a grown up. The other two doctors were in their twenties.

I want to keep up my exercises (weights, crunches, walking, etc), at least between Fibromyalgia flare-ups, but these back spasms are new...well at least I haven't had them in years. I guess you're right. An MRI would be in order.

Does the Tardive Dyskinesia affect your spine? Is it permanent? Do the doctors believe that the Fybromyalgia is one of your main pain generator as well? Who's currently taking care of your medications? If you're not happy with your Dr than you can always find another one. Valium helps me more than any other muscle relaxant I've tried. My heating pad helps too. I've recently started using a TENS unit and that helps with muscle tightness and spasms while it's on. I've read that Tardive Dyskinesia can cause muscle spasms but I'm not too familiar with it. It would be a good idea to rule out or confirm a spinal issue. Hopefully you can get referred for an MRI and then possibly a Consult with a spine specialist if needed. It must be very difficult when you have multiple problems you're dealing with. I really hope you can get to the bottom of it and find some relief. Low impact exercises are important but it can definitely be challenging when the pain flares up. Its's a good idea to start with a GP and then go from there.

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